The Republic of Cuba is an island country in the Caribbean. Havana is the capital city of Cuba and the largest too. Cuba is home to more than 11 million people and is the most populous insular nation in the Caribbean. Its people, culture, and customs draw from diverse sources, including the aboriginal Taíno and Ciboney peoples. Cuba is famous for their music and spots. Cubans are very much musical people naturally. Cuban music is very rich and is the most popular expression of culture. The "central form" of Cuban music is Son, which has been the basis of many other musical styles like salsa, rumba and mambo and an upbeat derivation of the rumba, the cha-cha-cha. Then you can imagine what kind of musical celebration will be there on Valentine’s Day. The festival has been a grand affair for the Cuban natives since a long time which reflected in the form of endless parties. Cuban culture is called as a melting pot of cultures, primarily those of Spain and Africa. Sport is considered to be Cuba’s national passion. Baseball is the most popular sport in Cuba. This is believed to be an American influence.
Valentine’s Day Traditions in Cuba
Exchanging Gifts is an essential component of Valentine’s Day festival in Cuba and gifts are lavishly showered for loved ones. Although, this is mostly a grand celebration of romantic love between two people; friends, family and acquaintances also take part in this through the arrangement of get-togethers and parties. Preparing special meals is very vital in these celebrations and the whole house is adorned with beautiful decors. Cubans are very extroverts when one takes in them a collectivistic sense. They celebrate each and every day in the year.
Celebration is a very essential part of the life of Cubans. They even arrange for picnics to enjoy the real flavor of nature. Hotels and resorts are usually pre-packed during this time of the year as the foreign travelers come here to celebrate the Valentine’s festival the Cuban way. These restaurants provide special festive meals in traditional Cuban style. They even make arrangements for music and dance so that people get to celebrate the festival in the best way possible. Cuban music is very rich and is the most commonly known expression of culture.
Whether favoring the traditional side of the festival or going for the dynamism of the modern ways, every person can choose his own pick. Pubs, clubs and discotheques are lined up with people and people party hard till drop. Gifts are exchanged and people dwell in the true essence of the festival. Roses are a popular pick for the occasion and it is almost customary for every person to gift their sweetheart flowers such as red rose and tulips or the flowers of their sweet heart’s favorite color. So, this year, come and feel your soul alive as you celebrate the festival of Valentine’s Day in pure Cha-Cha-Cha style.
